Lithuania moving in right direction: PM

VILNIUS, April 10 (Xinhua) -- There is no reason to talk about crises in Lithuania or dissolving parliament as the country is moving in the "right direction," Lithuanian Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis said on Tuesday.

"Last year was good for Lithuania. Objective data shows we are moving in the right direction. There is no any grounds to talk about crises or dissolution of the parliament," Skvernelis told lawmakers in parliament where he presented the government's activity report for 2017.

According to the report, Lithuanian GDP increased by 3.8 percent in 2017.

"It was the highest growth rate in five years and much higher than the EU average of 2.5 percent," Skvernelis underscored.

Moreover, Lithuania attracted 39 foreign investors who committed to create more than 5,000 jobs in three years and to invest more than 200 million euros (246.75 million U.S. dollars).

In his words, Lithuania meets the NATO requirement to spend at least 2 percent of GDP on defense and will further increase military spending.

Skvernelis added the Lithuanian government last year took systemic actions aimed at solving income inequality and poverty problems in the country and would continue this policy this year.

Foundations for planned structural reforms in the areas of taxation, the pension system, education and combating the underground economy were laid in 2017, the PM noted, naming the demographic situation as one of the major issues.

According to Skvernelis, reforms are expected to further contribute to the nation's competitiveness and the quality of life of people.

The Lithuanian parliamentary opposition called for an early election last month amid a parliamentary crisis following lawmakers refusing to dismiss a member of parliament accused of acting against the state.

The opposition initiative was later rejected by the majority of lawmakers. Enditem